US-CANADA BORDER, Wash. — The US side of the US-Canada land border will reopen to travelers starting on a yet to be announced day in November as long as they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This would be the end of a 19-month closure that separated families and closed or imposed economic hardships on many Whatcom County businesses that count on customers coming from Canada. The change will also apply to travelers crossing from Mexico at the US-Mexico border.
Homeland Security announced a reopening plan that begins in November when fully vaccinated travelers with proper travel documentation will be allowed to cross land borders into the US for nonessential reasons, like visiting family and recreational travel.
Unlike current requirements for entering Canada, there will be no testing requirement for travelers entering the US. Proof of vaccination will not be required US officials reportedly said during a teleconference with reporters. But travelers were advised occasional “spot checks” are always possible when proof will be required.
In January 2022, the announcement said, all travelers crossing into the US at land borders, even those traveling for essential reasons, will be required to be fully vaccinated. Currently, qualified “essential travelers,” such as truck drivers, can cross into the US even if not vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated Americans and Canadians traveling for nonessential reasons have been able to enter Canada from the US since August.